the bank on college green, dublin.

The Bank on College Green aims to serve a farm-to-table menu in an upscale, genuine and relaxed atmosphere. As the name suggests, this Dublin based restaurant has its settings in an old Victorian bank. Lavish, opulent and grand, the interior speaks of high ornate ceilings, stained glass, marble pillars and warm gold finishes. Square Meal IE describe the atmosphere as big, bold, dark and moody - and they aren't wrong. With an elegant bar and mezzanine the main focal point of the restored Irish bank, this restaurant instantly felt very special.

After a friendly and immediate welcome, we were walked up the stairs to be greeted by further waiting staff on the mezzanine. Here we were seated, overlooking the rest of the building's splendour from the balcony.

On this particular evening, we saw the golden sun streaming through the beautiful stained glass window, followed by a chilled and moody setting by candlelight. For a table for two, we had plenty of space for all the delectable dishes around the corner, and felt like we could relax into luxury chairs with elegant finishes and attention to detail.

We order a couple of glasses of white wine, with myself opting for a Merlot to go with the main event. To sample the farm-to-fork ethos, we went for the Trio of Irish Spring Lamb, at €55 for two. It wasn't needed in this instance, but sides ranged from Tenderstem broccoli with chill to caramelised onion cavelo nero and garlic butter mushrooms. 

They have also since added an Irish Charcuterie board to share, which at €32 features a celebration of Irish meat and cold cuts nestled alongside pickles, onions and harmonising sauces.

Featuring an indulgent shepherd's pie, lamb fillet and lamb shoulder, the plate also showcased homemade accompaniments of mint sauce, red wine gravy, potatoes and crunchy greens. All elements of the platter showed off a different cooking skill, with excellent quality produce. Not to mention a very generous portion! As much as I loved the Irish lamb fillet, we both agreed the shepherd's pie was the best we'd ever tasted.

The Bank also has the likes of seafood platters, cote de boeuf and steaks as well as vegetarian risottos, fish of the day and mussels. The bar bites menu boasted a homemade sausage roll and moreish spicy, sea salted nuts, while the cocktail menu featured all the usual suspects: Old Fashioned, Negronis and Brambles with spirits from local distilleries Walsh, Teeling, Kilbeggan and Midleton.

They also have an excellently priced lunch menu, which offered the likes of gourmet sandwiches, local seafood, burgers, steak and even oysters. In terms of vegan or gluten free options, the staff were happy to help with any dietary requirements, and remembered to promptly bring out my glass of red right on cue.

Overall The Bank totally lived up to expectations and I can't recommend it enough. Beautiful venue and stunning food. A must visit during a trip to Dublin!

The Bank Bar and Restaurant 

20-22 College Green 

Dublin 2 

Ireland